Politics
Imo Elders Endorse Ihedioha
Imo Advisory Council of Elders last Friday endorsed Chief Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) as their candidate for the March 9 governorship election.
They said that equity demanded that Imo East produce the next governor of the State.
The endorsement is contained in a six-point communique issued by the council and made available to newsmen in Owerri.
The communique was signed by 23 advisory council members made up of elders from Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu zones.
The communique said the elders are desirous and determined to work in synergy for the peace, stability, development and good governance in Imo.
It said time had come in the management of the affairs of Imo, where the wisdom of old-age should blend with the strength and vitality of the youth to check the drift in societal values and governance.
The elders noted that the absence of the above values, had created “political rascality and irresponsible government, lack of respect for the rule of law and the traditional institution.”
They stated that for the benefits of good governance, justice, equity and good conscience, “the council is of the strong opinion that the issue of rotation of elective political offices (particularly the office of the governor of Imo be strictly adhered to.”
According to the communiqué, the council has consulted, interviewed and evaluated candidates from registered political parties, their respective manifestos and resolved that the manifesto presented by Chief Emeka Ihedioha is the best and satisfies the aspirations of the people of Imo.
It said they have therefore, resolved to endorse Ihedioha of the PDP as the candidate of the choice of Imo to be voted for at the governorship election on March 9.
It urged Imo people and stakeholders to come out en masse and vote Ihedioha.
“Finally, we the members of this council drawn from the three geo-political zones of the state, individually and collectively append our signatures as evidence of our agreement to the resolutions of this communiqué which endorsed Ihedioha as the governorship candidate to be voted into office come March 9, 2019”.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Elders Council, Prof. Francis Dike said that everyone in the state was worried about “the pitiable developments in the state and are determined to reset Imo politics for the good of the people of the state.”
The council also resolved in the meeting to send delegations of elders to the state police command, military commander, department of state services and other law enforcement agencies to hands off from aiding anyone with the intention to intimidate the electorate or manipulate the electoral system in favour of any candidate.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.